This week's pericope is interconnected with many Markan stories and themes. It is the fourth in the series of healing stories that we have been dealing with in recent weeks. On the other hand, it is the first in a series of controversy stories that now occur. Controversy stories have some regular features. A question is usually asked of Jesus which seems to be a critique of his ministry in the light of Jewish tradition. The four questions in this series are: "Why does this fellow speak in this way? It is blasphemy! Who can forgive sins but God alone?" (Mark 2:7). "Why does he eat with tax collectors and sinners?" (Mark 2:16). "Why do John's disciples and the disciples of the Pharisees fast, but your disciples do not fast?" (Mark 2:18). "Look, why are they doing what is not lawful on the Sa…